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Rookie Harper shines in first NBA start as Spurs rout Pacers
Rookie guard Dylan Harper matched a career high with 24 points in his starting debut as San Antonio rolled to its 21st win in 23 games.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:10am
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Rookie guard Dylan Harper scored 24 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 134-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Harper, who was making his first NBA start after Devin Vassell was a late scratch, came up big for the Spurs, who improved to 53-18 on the season. Keldon Johnson added 24 points off the bench, while Victor Wembanyama recorded a 20-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist, 5-block performance. The Pacers, who came into the game with 14 players listed as out or questionable, lost their 16th consecutive game.
Why it matters
The Spurs' victory was their 21st in the past 23 games, cementing their status as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Harper's strong performance in his first NBA start is a promising sign for the rookie, who has had to bide his time behind veterans like Devin Vassell and De'Aaron Fox on the Spurs' deep roster. The game also highlighted the Spurs' depth, as they were able to overcome the absences of Vassell and Stephon Castle and still cruise to an easy win.
The details
With Devin Vassell a late scratch, 20-year-old rookie Dylan Harper was thrust into the starting lineup for the Spurs. Harper made the most of his opportunity, scoring 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting. While he did commit 4 fouls and get beat backdoor a couple times defensively, Harper overall had a strong performance in his first career NBA start. Keldon Johnson also had a big game off the bench for the Spurs, scoring 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting and helping San Antonio pull away in the second quarter. Victor Wembanyama filled up the stat sheet with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks.
- Rookie guard Dylan Harper found out 17 minutes before tipoff that he would be making his first NBA start.
- The Spurs built a lead as high as 21 points in the first half and were never really threatened by the undermanned Pacers.
The players
Dylan Harper
A 20-year-old rookie guard for the San Antonio Spurs who scored 24 points in his first career NBA start.
Keldon Johnson
A 26-year-old forward for the San Antonio Spurs who came off the bench to score 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting.
Victor Wembanyama
A 20-year-old forward for the San Antonio Spurs who recorded a 20-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist, 5-block performance.
Andrew Nembhard
A guard for the Indiana Pacers who led his team with 25 points in the loss.
Jarace Walker
A forward for the Indiana Pacers who scored 21 points in the defeat.
What they’re saying
“The ball just had to go up.”
— Dylan Harper
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
The takeaway
Harper's strong debut in his first NBA start is a promising sign for the Spurs' future, as the rookie showed he can step up when called upon. Meanwhile, the Spurs' depth and ability to win comfortably even with key rotation players out underscores why they are one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season.
